Off the bat, Venezia asked the candidates how much they've raised — independent of money they donated to their own campaigns. Curry solidly led the pack with about $250,000, followed by Patrascu with some $100,000, Harper with between $30,000 and $50,000, Ali with $20,000 to $25,000 and Onofre with about $11,000.

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Harper, a Republican, said he objected to the question.

"I think it's about the issues," he said. "I prefer that we get to the issues."

Curry, a Republican, contended that his war chest demonstrated the breadth of community support.

Santana, after prefacing his question by declaring that Sacramento is controlled by Democrats, asked: "What's the point of sending another Republican to Sacramento?"

Curry replied that Republicans can represent the 74th better.

"Things do change," he said. "Republicans will be relevant again."

Patrascu, a Republican, commented that Orange County can't keep voting in "fake conservatives."

"We can't keep sending up people who keeping voting for every tax and fee," the Laguna Beach resident said.

Ali, a Democrat, said voters should consider her party affiliation a strong point, given the Democratic super-majority.

"So you, as voters, need to choose a candidate that's actually going to get things done for you," the Irvine resident said.

"I will have a seat at the table," she added. "I will have a voice."

Harper said, "Republicans should never surrender in the state of California," to which Wu, also a Republican, chimed in: "We can talk about surrendering, and we can talk about real life."